Aquatic Ecology
Aquatic Ecology Experts
BioSurvey Group brings together a team of experienced aquatic biologists dedicated to comprehensive ecological assessment, monitoring, and conservation. Our specialists provide trusted expertise across the full spectrum of freshwater ecosystems, from the smallest headwater streams to major river systems.
Our Expertise
- Fisheries management & assessment
- Freshwater mussel surveys & relocation
- Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling & analysis
- Submerged aquatic vegetation mapping & monitoring
- Endangered species surveys: crayfish, hellbenders, and mudpuppies
- Habitat assessment & restoration
Regulatory Compliance & Consultation
Our team members have established excellent working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies through years of successful collaboration. We guide clients through:
- Endangered Species Act compliance
- Clean Water Act requirements: Section 401/404 permitting
- Environmental impact assessments
- Conservation planning & implementation
From straightforward surveys to complex multi-faceted projects requiring specialized permitting, our biologists deliver scientifically sound solutions that meet regulatory requirements while advancing conservation goals.
What We Provide:
Fish Community Surveys & Assessments
BioSurvey Group’s team includes multiple fisheries scientists with advanced degrees and extensive field experience. Our specialists employ a full range of fish community survey techniques to meet your project needs:
- Electrofishing: Both boat-mounted and backpack units for sampling diverse habitats
- Netting Methods: Expert deployment of seine nets, gill nets, and hoop nets
- Light Trapping: Specialized capture of nocturnal and larval species
- Custom Sampling Protocols: Tailored approaches based on target species and habitat conditions
Fish Tissue Analysis & Health Assessment
Beyond population surveys, our team provides specialized services for evaluating fish health and environmental impacts:
- Contaminant Analysis: Collection of tissue samples for laboratory assessment of mercury, PCBs, heavy metals, and other pollutants
- Pollution Effect Studies: Monitoring and documentation of acute and chronic pollution impacts on fish communities
- Population Health Investigations: Comprehensive evaluation of condition factors, disease prevalence, and reproductive success
Our fisheries biologists bring rigorous scientific methods and practical field knowledge to every project, ensuring reliable data collection and meaningful interpretation for regulatory compliance, conservation planning, or environmental impact assessment.
Threatened & Endangered Crayfish Survey Services
BioSurvey Group biologists hold the necessary qualifications and permits to conduct surveys for federally protected crayfish species across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. Our team specializes in assessment and consultation for:
- Big Sandy Crayfish (Cambarus callainus) – Federally Threatened
- Guyandotte River Crayfish (Cambarus veteranus) – Federally Endangered
Distribution & Critical Habitat
Our field teams possess detailed knowledge of distribution patterns and habitat requirements for these sensitive species.
Regulatory Navigation & Consultation
When projects intersect with potential crayfish habitat, our biologists provide comprehensive services to ensure compliance while advancing your project goals:
- Presence/Absence Surveys: Conducted according to USFWS-approved protocols
- Section 7 Consultation: Expert guidance through formal and informal consultation processes
- Biological Assessment Preparation: Detailed documentation for regulatory review
- Mitigation Planning: Practical solutions to minimize potential impacts
Proven Success Record
BioSurvey Group has successfully completed endangered crayfish projects for diverse clients including:
- West Virginia Division of Highways
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
- Municipal governments
- Private industry and development projects
Hellbender & Mudpuppy Surveys & Relocation
BioSurvey Group offers expert assessment and management services for North America’s largest salamander species. Our biologists are specifically trained in survey techniques for cryptic aquatic salamanders, including the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) and Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus).
Our team employs effective survey methodologies tailored to these elusive species across various aquatic environments:
- Presence/Absence Surveys: Expert detection in diverse habitats
- Population Assessment: Documentation of size class distribution and abundance
- Habitat Evaluation: Assessment of substrate quality, water conditions, and environmental factors
- Environmental DNA (eDNA): When appropriate, application of cutting-edge detection methods
Professional Relocation Services
When construction or development activities potentially impact salamander populations, our biologists provide:
- Pre-Construction Surveys: Thorough documentation before project initiation
- Capture & Relocation: Safe handling and transport to suitable habitat
- Monitoring Programs: Post-relocation assessment of success
- Regulatory Compliance: All activities conducted with appropriate permits and agency coordination
Diverse Habitat Experience
Our team has successfully conducted hellbender and mudpuppy work across a range of aquatic systems such as small streams, large rivers and lakes.
BioSurvey Group’s specialized expertise ensures effective management of these sensitive amphibian species during infrastructure development, habitat restoration, and conservation initiatives.
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling & Analysis
Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) serve as critical biological indicators for water quality evaluation and ecological health assessment. BioSurvey Group specializes in comprehensive BMI surveys across diverse aquatic ecosystems, from headwater streams to large rivers, lakes, and estuarine environments.
Comprehensive Sampling Methods
Our biologists implement scientifically rigorous sampling protocols tailored to each environment and project:
- Wadeable Streams: Kick nets and Hess stream bottom samplers
- Deep Water Systems: Professional diving capabilities for large river assessments
- Lakes & Ponds: Specialized sweep net techniques
- Long-Term Monitoring: Hester-Dendy artificial substrate samplers for standardized temporal studies
Advanced Taxonomic Expertise
With over 50 years of combined experience, our taxonomists provide precise identification services:
- Detailed Classification: Family and genus-level identification capabilities
- Specialized Expertise: Chironomid mounting and identification
- Regional Knowledge: Specialized focus on eastern aquatic species in streams, lakes, and the Chesapeake Bay
Biotic Integrity Analysis
Our team applies various biotic integrity indices relevant to your project location such as West Virginia GLIMPSS: Genus Level Index of Most Probable Stream Status.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Surveys & Mapping
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) forms a critical foundation of healthy aquatic ecosystems, providing essential habitat structure and food sources for fish and macroinvertebrate communities. BioSurvey Group offers specialized expertise in SAV assessment and monitoring to meet growing regulatory requirements and ecosystem management needs.
Survey Methods
Our biologists employ scientifically sound methodologies to document and analyze SAV communities:
- Point-Intercept Surveys: Precise quantitative assessment of species composition and distribution
- Bed Mapping & GIS Analysis: Detailed spatial documentation of SAV coverage and boundaries
- Species Identification: Expert taxonomic knowledge of native and invasive aquatic plant species
- Temporal Monitoring: Tracking changes in SAV communities over time
Regional Expertise
With specialized knowledge spanning multiple regions, our team provides informed analysis across diverse ecosystems.
Tailored Solutions
BioSurvey Group customizes our approach based on your specific project goals:
- Invasive Species Management: Documentation of problematic species for targeted control
- Protected Species Assessment: Surveys focused on rare, threatened, or endangered aquatic plants
- Seagrass Monitoring: Tracking changes to critical coastal habitats
- Pre/Post Project Evaluation: Baseline documentation and impact assessment
Contact Us
Senior Bat Biologist
BioSurvey Group is hiring a Senior Bat Biologist to help grow our bat services division within our small, woman-owned, forward-thinking company. This is a great opportunity for a self-motivator who enjoys being client facing, all aspects of project management, managing their own time, and is interested in being a part of a positive, successful team. The Senior Bat Biologist will plan, lead, and conduct bat acoustic or mist-net surveys and analyze bat recordings, organize data, and produce reports documenting findings. This is a senior role that requires self-motivation, a strong technical background in bats, project and team management, and excellent communication skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop project leads and submit proposals
- Plan and lead acoustic and or mist-nest surveys
- Process acoustic files through automated software programs
- Conduct roost emergence counts
- Conduct hibernaculum surveys
- Maintain, organize, and inventory equipment
- Prepare progress reports and field assessment reports
- Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection
- Map making as required for spatial analysis and reporting
- Coordinate and lead survey teams
- This position may require extensive field deployment and frequent travel
- Other RTE species surveys as qualified and needed
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in science or related field or 5+ years equivalent experience
- 3+ years of bat survey experience
- Federally permitted for Grey, Indiana, Northern Long Eared, and or Virginia Big-Eared Bats preferred
- Experience in real-time bat detectors (e.g.: Echometer Touch), use of automated acoustic software, and visual identification of bat species by sonogram, particularly Myotid bats
- Positive and effective communication with clients and team members
- Effective technical writing skills
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
- Detail-oriented, responsible, well organized, professional, and self-motivated
- Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations and recent tick check preferred but not required
- Experience with other RTE species surveys a plus
Who We Are: BioSurvey Group is a small, woman-owned biological consulting firm that specializes in rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys and consultations. We manage projects of varying size from single species surveys for a stream pipeline crossing to large complex multi-species and multi-agency surveys including interstate pipelines and DOT projects. Our project experience covers a vast range of industries and includes projects for state and federal agencies, municipalities, transportation (railroads, highways, and river commerce), engineering firms, oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining.
We are excited to talk with qualified candidates about competitive salary options (commensurate upon experience and permits held) and benefits such as unlimited paid time off and percentage-based sales incentives. This is a work from home position which may require extensive travel. BioSurvey Group is committed to providing our staff with the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently and providing opportunities for growth while striking a personal life balance.
BioSurvey Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Senior Herpetologist
BioSurvey Group is hiring a Senior Herpetologist to help develop and grow our herpetology survey and consultation services division within our small, woman-owned, forward-thinking company. This is a great opportunity for a self-motivator who enjoys being client facing, all aspects of project management, managing their own time, and is interested in being a part of a positive, successful team. The Senior Herpetologist will plan, lead, and conduct surveys, organize data, and produce reports documenting findings. This is a senior role that requires self-motivation, a strong technical background in herpetology, project and team management, and excellent communication skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop project leads and submit proposals
- Plan and lead herpetological surveys and monitoring efforts
- Process and analyze data
- Maintain, organize, and inventory equipment
- Prepare progress reports and field assessment reports
- Handheld and sub-meter accurate GPS data collection
- Map making as required for spatial analysis and reporting
- Coordinate and lead survey teams
- This position may require extensive field deployment and frequent travel
- Other RTE species surveys as qualified and needed
- Wetland and stream delineations as needed
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in science or related field or 5+ years equivalent experience
- 3+ years of herpetological survey experience
- Federally and/or state permitted for Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia’s state listed amphibians and reptiles
- Positive and effective communication with clients and team members
- Effective technical writing skills
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
- Detail-oriented, responsible, well organized, professional, and self-motivated
- Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Experience with other RTE species surveys a plus
- Ability to scuba dive a plus
Who We Are: BioSurvey Group is a small, woman-owned biological consulting firm that specializes in rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys and consultations. We manage projects of varying size from single species surveys for a stream pipeline crossing to large complex multi-species and multi-agency surveys including interstate pipelines and DOT projects. Our project experience covers a vast range of industries and includes projects for state and federal agencies, municipalities, transportation (railroads, highways, and river commerce), engineering firms, oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining.
We are excited to talk with qualified candidates about competitive salary options (commensurate upon experience and permits held) and benefits such as unlimited paid time off and percentage-based sales incentives. This is a work from home position which may require extensive travel. BioSurvey Group is committed to providing our staff with the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently and providing opportunities for growth while striking a personal life balance.
BioSurvey Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Internship
BioSurvey Group is hiring for our 2025 Summer Internship Program to provide up and coming science professionals with opportunities to gain experience in our field and grow with our small, woman-owned, forward-thinking company. Successful candidates will work on multiple project types including all aspects of freshwater mussel surveys involving field preparations, survey techniques, and client deliverables. Candidates should anticipate working on several different projects in different locations throughout the mid-west. Your contributions to the BioSurvey Group team will be essential in meeting our client objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with freshwater mussel surveys and other biological field surveys
- Assist with client deliverables including data management, report writing and GIS mapping
- Document field data
- Use GPS equipment
- Adhere to all safety and dive safety protocols
- Prepare and track dive logs
- Boat and trailer operations
- Maintain, organize, and inventory field equipment
- This position will require extensive field deployment and frequent travel
REQUIREMENTS:
- Working towards a B.S. or M.S. degree in an environmental science or related field
- Positive attitude and effective communication with team members
- Flexible schedule and willingness to travel
- Open Water SCUBA certification or similar certification or be willing to obtain certification
- Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Biological field survey experience is preferred (mussels, herps, bats, birds, macroinvertebrates, etc.)
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Detail-oriented, responsible, well organized, professional, and self-motivated
- Ability to work long field days and tolerate inclement weather and diving conditions
Who We Are:
BioSurvey Group is a small, woman-owned biological consulting firm that specializes in rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys and consultations. We manage projects of varying size from single species surveys for a stream pipeline crossing to large complex multi-species and multi-agency surveys including interstate pipelines and DOT projects. Our project experience covers a vast range of industries and includes projects for state and federal agencies, municipalities, transportation (railroads, highways, and river commerce), engineering firms, oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining.
We are excited to talk with qualified candidates and anticipate a compensation range between $15-$25 per hour depending on the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. This position will require extensive travel; however, travel costs will be covered by BioSurvey Group. BioSurvey Group is committed to providing our staff with the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently and providing opportunities for growth while striking a personal life balance.
BioSurvey Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Diver
BioSurvey Group is hiring part time/ on-call Divers to support the freshwater mussel division within our small, woman-owned, forward-thinking company. Divers will adhere to diving safety protocols and promote a safety driven culture. This position will include field work for freshwater mussel surveys and other underwater biological surveys conducted, as well as equipment maintenance as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with freshwater mussel surveys and other underwater biological surveys
- Assist in setting up a dive station and ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly
- Adhere to dive safety protocols
- Prepare and track dive logs
- Boat and trailer operations
- Maintain, organize, and inventory diving equipment, boats, trailers, and vehicles
- This position will require extensive field deployment and frequent travel
- Assist with other RTE species surveys as needed
REQUIREMENTS:
- Open Water SCUBA certification and/ or AAUS scientific diver certification
- Accredited commercial dive school diploma and/ or ADCI Diver card is preferred
- Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Ability to obtain a current ADCI or equivalent “Fit to Dive” physical
- Current Blood Borne Pathogens, First Aid, CPR, DAN O2 Administration certifications a plus
- 10-hour OSHA and 40- hour HAZWOPER certification a plus
- Mussel survey experience preferred as well as other aquatic biological survey experience
- Positive attitude and effective communication with team members
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Detail-oriented, responsible, well organized, professional, and self-motivated
- Flexible schedule and willingness to travel
- Ability to work long field days and tolerate inclement weather and diving conditions
Who We Are:
BioSurvey Group is a small, woman-owned biological consulting firm that specializes in rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys and consultations. We manage projects of varying size from single species surveys for a stream pipeline crossing to large complex multi-species and multi-agency surveys including interstate pipelines and DOT projects. Our project experience covers a vast range of industries and includes projects for state and federal agencies, municipalities, transportation (railroads, highways, and river commerce), engineering firms, oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining.
We are excited to talk with qualified candidates about competitive salary options (commensurate upon experience and permits held) and forward-thinking benefits such as housing options and field gear stipends. This position will require extensive travel. BioSurvey Group is committed to providing our staff with the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently and providing opportunities for growth while striking a personal life balance.
BioSurvey Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
BioSurvey Group
Physical Address
3 East Maple St.
Liberty, IN 47353
(888) 712-0566
Mailing Address
PO Box 593
Morgantown, WV 26507
(304)-810-8099
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